Q: We have noted that MOFCOM has announced the launch of a trade and investment barrier investigation into Mexico’s proposed restrictive measures concerning China. Could you please provide further details?

A: China maintains that, against the backdrop of the United States’ abusive imposition of tariffs, all countries should jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism in all their forms, and must not sacrifice the interests of the third parties under external pressure. Should Mexico’s unilateral tariff increase be implemented—even if implemented within the WTO framework—it would harm the interests of relevant trading partners, including China, significantly undermine the certainty of Mexico’s business environment, and erode business confidence in investing in Mexico. China firmly opposes such actions.

To resolutely safeguard the legitimate interests of China’s relevant industries, MOFCOM has decided, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Investigation Rules of Foreign Trade Barriers, to initiate an investigation into trade and investment barriers arising from Mexico’s proposed measures to raise import tariffs and impose other restrictions on Chinese goods.

This investigation will be conducted in strict adherence to the principles of justice, fairness and openness. All interested parties affected by Mexican measures, including Chinese domestic industries and enterprises, are welcome to actively participate in the investigation. Based on the findings of the investigation, MOFCOM will issue an objective and impartial ruling and, as warranted by the circumstances, take necessary measures to firmly protect China’s legitimate rights and interests.